Scott County drafts short letter urging two‑year delay to SNAP administrative cost shifts

Scott County staff presented a one‑page draft letter the board could send to its U.S. senators asking for a two‑year delay in recently enacted SNAP administrative cost shifts, a change county leaders say would reduce near‑term fiscal pressure on county property taxpayers.

Leslie introduced the draft and said the letter aligns with broader AMC priorities. The board discussed timing and recipients; staff suggested copying relevant state and federal staffers, including contacts at Craig Fishbach'Finstead, to raise visibility. The presentation noted Minnesota is one of three states where counties pay the non‑federal share of certain SNAP administration costs, exposing counties to escalating outlays.

Commissioners discussed the amendment and markup process in Congress and whether the county should circulate the letter immediately or wait to refine language. A staff projection showed cost impacts escalated over time and that a short, focused ask (a two‑year delay) was preferred for clarity. One commissioner recommended keeping the letter to one page and CCing federal and state contacts who could influence the amendment process.

Next steps: staff will finalize the letter, circulate it to commissioners, and include it in the July 7 packet for possible action or signature.